Pitfalls in horizon autopicking

Abstract

Interpreters use horizon autopicking in many seismic interpretations in the modern workstation environment. When properly used and with data quality permitting this technique enables efficient and accurate tracking of horizons but is not without its pitfalls. Four common pitfalls are improper selection of the input control or seed grid, not accounting for the “directional” behavior of tracking algorithms, attempting autopicking in areas with poor reflection continuity and/or low signal-to-noise ratio, and failing to recognize elements of geology that are not suitable for autopicking.